John Baker dies at 69

–John Hillis Baker passed away in Eagle Rock, CA on July 15th 2017. Born on Oct. 13, 1947, in Galveston Texas, John Baker grew up in Lakewood California, and graduated from Paramount High School in 1965.

Baker went on to attend Chapman College in Orange, CA where he played baseball. It was during the playoffs for the 1968 NCAA Championships that John received his nickname of “Golden Throw” Baker. In a clutch play in the last inning, Baker fired a ball from far left field directly to the catcher to close out the game and advance the team to nationals, which the Panthers went on to win. The 1968 team on which Baker played has since been inducted into Chapman University’s Baseball Hall of Fame.

Baker also threw warm up for the California Angels at Anaheim Stadium.

John enjoyed golf, card games, and was a great singer. He is survived by his children Matthew Baker and Amanda Martin; grandchildren Bradly Baker, Cadence Martin, Jonas Martin, and River Baker; sisters Barbara Owen and Carolyn Baker; sister-in-law Polly Baker; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and Janet Redwine Pereira and Susan Kelley.

Baker was preceded in death by his father Lt. Cmdr. Earl Ross Baker, his mother Mary Louise Baker, his brother Stanley Baker, and wife Pattie Baker.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John Baker may be made to Wreaths Across America.